HUNDREDS of walkers will be stepping out today to raise awareness for a disease affecting millions . . . dementia.

They are among thousands taking part in Memory Walks across the UK to mark World Alzheimer’s Day last Friday, which aims to highlight the plight of people suffering from the disease as well as other forms of dementia.

Today walks will take place in Newcastle, Sunderland and Penrith, in Cumbria.

Meanwhile, in London, actress Britt Ekland, patron of the Alzheimer’s Society, will be joining people with dementia and their carers for a walk from Alexandra.

Last year’s series of events raised more than #176,000 nationwide.

It’s estimated 24 million people worldwide are affected by some form of dementia, with 700,000 sufferers in the UK alone — a figure that’s set to increase to more than a million in less than 20 years.

Neil Hunt, the chief executive of the Alzheimer’s society said: “The forecast for dementia in the UK is indisputable.”

Today’s walks set off from Station Road, Forrest Hall, Newcastle and Addington Church, in Penrith at 2pm. The Sunderland walk sets off from the city’s Seaburn Centre. The time has yet to be confirmed.

For more information about the walks or to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society visit www.alzheimers.org.uk